Your Introduction to Sumba starts as soon as you leave the airport in Tambolaka. During the one and half hour drive to Haweri you will feel the essence of Sumba as you pass through teak and mahogany plantations, rice terraces and small family farms aside villages and local markets. Half way through the journey you will reach the bustling regional capital of West Sumba, Waikabubak. From there on you will notice a distinct change in scenery as you drop down from the highlands towards the sea. As you head into this more sparely populated area of Sumba the vistas open up allowing you to see the mountains you have come through and spectacular views of the Wanukaka valley and the sea beyond. By the time you reach your destination at Haweri you will have had a great introduction to this island we love so much.

Sumba is indeed still incredibly tribal. In fact, it is one of the last remaining megalithic cultures on Earth. More than half of the islanders still practice the animist Marapu belief, and head hunting was only outlawed three generations ago.

Cattle and other livestock serve as symbols of wealth and offer trading value in what is a thriving barter economy. Funerals, dowry payments and other special occasions call for the sacrifice of a live animals; the spilt blood marking the occasion as sacrosanct.

Small tribal communities exist on hilltops, offering good vantage points from where their ancestors would be more easily protected from raiding tribes. The houses are all built according to one traditional style which has been unchanged for hundreds of years.

The island is rich in indigenous wildlife found throughout the diverse eco-systems that range from dense tropical forests to rugged undulating savannah. The island is surrounded by incredible beaches and inland are the islands hidden gems, spectacular waterfalls. Throw in some of Indonesia's most prized ikat textiles and the annual Pasola festival and you have one of the most diverse islands in Indonesia where tradition runs deep.

At Haweri you can do as much or as little as you like. For those of you with an unbridled sense of energy and the need for activity look no further because we offer a wide range of exciting land and sea-based adventures for you to choose from. Our guides can take you to spectacular areas that are so remote they can only be accessed by trekking or boat. There are breathtaking waterfalls, fabulous beaches and incredible Stone Age villages for you to visit. Although some of the activities can be strenuous you can certainly choose to do nothing at all and feel good about it, isn’t that what a vacation is supposed to be about? Hang out and relax by the swimming pools, take leisurely walks on the beaches and explore the reefs at low tide. Recharge your soul at Haweri and return home better prepared to face the many challenges you left behind.

Surfing Nihiwatu Reef

Directly in front of our estate is one of the premier left-hand waves in Indonesia. There is no doubt that Nihiwatu, often referred to as “Gods Left” or “Occy’s Left”, is one of the top waves in Indonesia and the world, the professional surfers who have visited Nihiwatu over the years have attested to this. In some circles Nihiwatu has achieved legendary status. To provide a unique surfing experience the numbers of surfers booked is limited to ten and a surf slot must be purchased in advance. There are times when slots are booked out far in advance so we recommend booking early if you are a surfer. If you want to learn to surf lessons are available from Tropic Surf at Nihi Resort.

Sandalwood Stables

Sandalwood Stables counts on a team of experienced local guides offering horse riding lessons and activities for all levels -from first time riders to those who wish to level up their riding skills. For a more picturesque experience, choose the “Sumba Sunset Beach Ride”, led by one of the local Sumbanese horsemen, or the “Bush to Beach Trail”, descending from the hill tops to the ocean.

Blue Waterfall

Blue Waterfall, more commonly known as Matayangu Waterfall, is located in the National Park Manupeu, in central west Sumba. two thatch-roofed houses, literally in the middle of nowhere, are the deserted area which marks the start of the trail. The walk through the rainforest takes an hour and is a straightforward ramble interrupted by the occasional ravenous leech. Eventually you will hear the roar of the water and emerge from the canopy to see a powerful torrent that empties into a large teal pool. Again, there isn’t a soul in sight. “Only about 100 people come here a year”.

Lapopo Waterfall

Lapopo Waterfall is one of Sumba’s top destinations, and it will not disappoint. The drive takes just over an hour from Haweri Estate, offering beautiful views of Sumba’s different landscapes as you make your way there. Located in the National Park, you will arrive at the ranger station before making the short five minute walk along Sumba’s Wanakaka river before reaching your destination. As you slowly start to get closer to the waterfall you will first hear its thundering water flowing before opening up into a clearing in which the view will simply take your breath away. This waterfall is nothing short of spectacular, climbing roughly 100m high to 50m wide, it really is a sight to see. You will cross a small bamboo bridge to the other side of the river and to the foot of the waterfall. Once there it will be time for a swim in the refreshing turquoise waters with plenty of rock pools to wallow in. Depending on the time of year, and how hard the water is flowing off the falls, you will be able to climb your way behind the waterfall into a small cave from where you can look out from behind the falls. Be ready to see numerous rainbows which are created from the mist spraying off from the flowing water. Once you’ve enjoyed your time at this magical destination, it will be time to make the journey home with plenty of new memories and a huge smile on your face.

Waikelo Sawah

Waikelo Sawah is one of Sumba’s best hidden gems that the island has to offer. Only a 45 minute drive from Haweri Estate, this is a destination experience that should definitely not be missed. Upon arrival at the nearest parking area, you will find yourself overlooking a jaw dropping terrain of never ending rice paddy terraces. From there you will take a short trek of about 10 minutes through the beautiful green and thriving terraces before arriving at the destination. Tucked hidden away amongst the rice paddy terraces you will find yourself stumbling upon a spectacular fresh water waterfall, flowing out from next to a majestic banyan tree, which feeds its life from the surrounding river. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours swimming and exploring the crisp emerald green pools which flow down from the waterfall. You will be completely immersed in the natural etherial beauty of this destination, which is really something out of a fairy tale. Once you’ve soaked up all the magic that this hidden gem has to offer, it will be time to head back home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and in awe of the pure natural beauty that this destination has just provided to you.

Kampung Prai Ijing

Kampung Prai Ijing is a settlement of indigenous peoples in Tebara village, Waikabubak City District, West Sumba Regency, which presents unique architecture and maintained for hundreds of years. Exotic village as one of traditional villages in Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park landscape. When entering traditional villages in Sumba, visitors are escorted to the head elder (kepala desa) where you are expected to offer gifts such as betel nut (sirih pinang).

World Class Fishing

Exceptional fishing grounds are only minutes away on a fully equipped deep-sea fishing boat. Here you have the best chance in Indonesia of catching all kinds of big fish.

The sea around Nihiwatu provides anglers with a great range of big game and reef fish for sport or table. Large Marlin, weighing more than 300 pounds and Yellowfin Tuna over 150 pounds migrate close to the coast during the months of August though January, but there are masses of sizeable Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo and Trevally in the area throughout the year just waiting to be caught.

We practice catch and release bill fishing; however Wahoo and Spanish Mackerel are brought home for the BBQ.

Boating Expeditions

The West Sumba coastline is absolutely stunning! Imagine perfect beaches and massive cliffs adorned with jungle and palms, all backed by distant mountains. We can take you to spectacular areas that are so remote that they can only be accessed by boat.

Cruising along a scenic coastline is an exhilarating experience and one should consider taking the opportunity whenever or wherever it arises. Our full day excursions can include fishing, snorkeling and delicious luncheon buffets under the trees on the beach.

Visiting a Village

“Sumba is a little visited and undeveloped outpost in Indonesia’s southeast islands chain that gives a visitor a sense of being shipwrecked on an island of both great physical beauty and unparalleled anthropological interest” - Bill Dalton, Island Life magazine.

As our world develops, the traditions of the past are often discarded and forgotten. Unfortunately there are now only a few places left on earth where primitive tribal cultures are still intact and the traditional ways of living are still practiced. Sumba is one of those special places where stone graves, traditional houses and the rituals of the animist religion have been well preserved. The funeral ceremonies still continue and ritual animal sacrifice is the norm. Even now huge blocks of stone are cut and dragged by hundreds of men to the mortuary grounds in or nearby the traditional villages.

A visit to a Sumba village is one of the most interesting things you can do during your stay with us and we recommend not leaving Sumba without a visit to one of the many traditional villages in the area. Just say when and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bike tours are available for those wanting to get a work out while covering some interesting terrain.